For more than a decade, a fully fit Khama Billiat has been the creative heartbeat of the Zimbabwe Warriors. Ever since his AFCON debut in 2012, the slippery forward has terrified defenders with his pace, dribbling and eye for the killer pass.
At his peak, Billiat dragged Zimbabwe through tight qualifiers, producing big moments against Africa’s giants and consistently lifting the players around him. Even after briefly retiring from international football, his recall underlined how crucial his experience and star quality remained to a squad that often leaned on his brilliance in the final third.
New Warriors coach ditches Khama Billiat for AFCON
Yet, football never stands still. With AFCON looming, new Warriors coach Marian Mario Marinica has opted to leave Billiat out of his squad, signalling a bold reset for Zimbabwe. Keen on a high-tempo, modern style, Marinica appears determined to build around younger, hungrier legs who can press relentlessly for ninety minutes.
The omission of such a decorated star is both ruthless and symbolic: reputation no longer guarantees a seat on the plane. For Billiat, it is a painful twist after reversing his retirement to help the team reach these heights again. For the coach, however, it is a statement that the future belongs to form, fitness and tactical discipline rather than nostalgia.
Behold the new
Marinica’s arrival offers Zimbabwe a rare chance to rewrite its AFCON story. His track record with underdog teams shows a coach who embraces data, organisation and fearless attacking transitions. If he can blend the emerging talent with a clear philosophy, the Warriors may finally evolve from brave participants to genuine dark horses.
Khama Billiat’s absence will be felt, but it may also inspire a new generation to step out of his shadow and create their own legends in the famous green and gold.
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The post End times for the fan favourite: New Warriors coach ditches Khama Billiat for AFCON appeared first on iHarare News.
